How to Plant Terrariums
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Discover the fascinating world of terrariums and how these enclosed gardens allow plants to thrive in a miniature ecosystem.
TL;DR
Terrariums are glass containers that allow plants to grow in a closed environment. They were discovered by a scientist nearly 150 years ago and were used to transport tropical plants from the tropics to Europe.
- Terrariums are becoming popular again and resemble miniature Crystal Palaces.
- They can be made from small fish tanks, round fish bowls, or other glass containers.
- When planting a terrarium, use gravel, charcoal, potting compost, and small, slow-growing plants.
Terrariums date back nearly 150 years to an accidental discovery by a scientist. Whilst studying the development of a moth chrysalis, he also discovered that plants would germinate and grow in closed glass cases.
His experiments showed that a whole variety of tropical plants flourished, and the terrarium was soon put to practical use for transporting newly discovered plants by ship from the tropics to Europe.
Today terrariums are becoming popular again. They often resemble miniature Crystal Palaces, and normally have a hinged or removable panel for easy planting and maintenance.
Unfortunately, because they take time to construct, they are expensive to buy, and the beginner would be well advised to consider other glass containers first. Small fish tanks or round fish bowls are excellent, as are old, well washed acid battery containers. In fact, anything with glass sides and either no top or a removable one would be ideal.
Planting the terrarium
No special equipment is required, but an essential point to remember about a terrarium is that you must be able to get at least one hand into it.
To plant, place about 1-2.5 cm (H in) of gravel on the bottom and mix in about 55-85 gr (2-3 oz) of charcoal. Cover this with blotting paper or newspaper. Next, add at least 5 cm (2 in) of potting compost with 25 per cent extra peat added. Press down firmly and water. Leave for a day, then plant with small plants, arranged to suit the container.
Always choose small and relatively slow growing plants. Be careful not to over-water, as this can cause rotting, because the water cannot evaporate.
Suitable plants
- peperomia
- fittonia dracaena red edge
- pilea
- adiantum
- saintpaulia
- pteris
- cryptanthus
- chlorophytum
Terrariums date back nearly 150 years to an accidental discovery by a scientist.
More Information on How To Plant Terrariums
Terrariums have a fascinating history that dates back nearly 150 years. Originally, they were discovered by a scientist who stumbled upon the idea while studying the development of a moth chrysalis. He found that plants could thrive and grow within closed glass cases. This breakthrough led to the practical use of terrariums for transporting newly discovered tropical plants from the tropics to Europe. Today, terrariums are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. These miniature Crystal Palaces have captivated the attention of plant enthusiasts. While they can be quite expensive to purchase, there are alternative options for beginners to consider. Small fish tanks, round fish bowls, and even old, well-washed acid battery containers can serve as suitable containers for creating terrariums. As long as the container has glass sides and either no top or a removable one, it can be transformed into a thriving enclosed garden. When it comes to planting a terrarium, there are a few essential steps to follow. Start by layering the bottom with about 1-2.5 cm of gravel and incorporating 55-85 grams of charcoal to maintain proper drainage. Cover this layer with blotting paper or newspaper to prevent soil from seeping into the gravel. Next, add at least 5 cm of potting compost with an additional 25 percent peat for moisture retention. Firmly press down the soil and water the terrarium. After allowing it to settle for a day, carefully select small plants that are relatively slow-growing. It's crucial not to over-water the terrarium, as the enclosed environment doesn't allow for proper evaporation. Some suitable plant options for a terrarium include peperomia, fittonia dracaena red edge, pilea, adiantum, saintpaulia, pteris, cryptanthus, and chlorophytum. Terrariums offer a unique and captivating way to showcase plants in a self-contained ecosystem. They create a miniature world of greenery that can bring a touch of nature to any indoor space. If you're interested in exploring more about how to plant and care for terrariums, check out the additional resources provided in the original article.
About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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